Circuit Model Research Articles

Design and Equivalent Circuit Model Extraction of a Fractal Slot-Loaded 3–40 GHz Super Wideband Antenna

In this paper, we present the design and equivalent circuit model (ECM) of a fractal slot-loaded super wideband (SWB) antenna for compact and high-performance applications operating in the 3–40 GHz range. The proposed antenna features a compact dimension of 40 × 35 × 1.57 mm³, a measured bandwidth ratio of 13:1, a peak gain of 9.7 dBi, an average radiation efficiency of 94%, and a low cross-polarization level across the entire bandwidth. The presented ECM is derived using transmission line theory and incorporates the individual behavior of each constituting element of the antenna. A dual sequential optimization approach is employed to determine the optimal element values. The ECM results show good agreement with both simulated and measured results in terms of the magnitude of reflection coefficient |S11| and both real and imaginary impedances with low mean absolute percentage errors of 4.9%, 7.5%, and 7.7%, respectively, demonstrating the model’s ability to accurately predict the antenna’s performance.

SolarDesign: An online photovoltaic device simulation and design platform

Abstract SolarDesign (https://solardesign.cn/) is an online photovoltaic device simulation and design platform that provides engineering modeling analysis for crystalline silicon solar cells, as well as emerging high-efficiency solar cells such as organic, perovskite, and tandem cells. The platform offers user-updatable libraries of basic photovoltaic materials and devices, device-level multi-physics simulations involving optical-electrical-thermal interactions, and circuit-level compact model simulations based on detailed balance theory. Employing internationally advanced numerical methods, the platform accurately, rapidly, and efficiently solves optical absorption, electrical transport, and compact circuit models. It achieves multi-level photovoltaic simulation technology from “materials to devices to circuits” with fully independent intellectual property rights. Compared to commercial software, the platform achieves high accuracy and improves speed by more than an order of magnitude. Additionally, it can simulate unique electrical transport processes in emerging solar cells, such as quantum tunneling, exciton dissociation, and ion migration.

Analysis of uncertainty in measurement of electron temperature in low-pressure inductively coupled plasmas using microwave cutoff probe

Abstract In this study, we performed electron temperature measurements by using a square cutoff probe. Further, the measurement uncertainty was comprehensively analysed. The square cutoff probe allows for the measurement of the electron temperature based on the measured electron series resonance frequency and that of the electron plasma frequency based on the transmission spectrum of the plasma. The electron temperatures were determined under varying gas pressures and input power conditions, and the results were compared with those obtained using a single Langmuir probe. Also, the impact of electron-neutral collision frequency on electron temperature measurement using square cutoff probe was analyzed based on a plasma equivalent circuit model. The square cutoff probe is expected to serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for the precise characterisation of electron temperature, offering localised, accurate, and easily interpretable features.

An improved circuit model for the estimation of the electromagnetic energy coupling throughout aperture into metallic enclosure

The development and exploration of approximate phenomenological models used to calculate the electromagnetic energy coupling throughout apertures into metallic enclosures is presented in this paper. An analytical approach has been established for the calculation of the electric and magnetic shielding effectiveness (SE, SM) a rectangular metallic enclosure with an aperture and conductor in it by means of Robinson's model. With the existence of inductive and capacitive obstacles, the modal technique is to complete the first one to estimate SE and SM exactly taking into consideration the maximum of propagating modes. The results of the SE and SM obtained by the analytical model are validated by the software CST/EMC and the Finite-Difference Time Domain method (FDTD). Very similar results are obtained between these methods.

THz biosensing for early detection of influenza and coronaviruses using dielectric metamaterials

Abstract The world has faced a significant challenge since December 2019, when coronavirus (COVID-19) was found. Viruses of this type are causing pandemics all over the world right now. For this purpose, a biosensor is designed to operate based on metamaterial (MM) incorporated and can detect different coronaviruses. The proposed metamaterial absorber (MMA) includes two bands with perfect absorption characteristics and a narrow absorption bandwidth: 4.093 THz and 3.647 THz. The circuit model’s transmission line technique is another approach to verifying the absorber’s functionality. The proposed design consists of a square-shaped graphene ring (SGR) and a silicon-based square ring resonator (SSRR) to provide unique and narrow band absorption characteristics. Changing the graphene’s chemical potential suggests MMA tuneability and control capability. The suggested MMA can detect several coronaviruses because of its extremely narrow absorption spectrum behavior. It has unique features such as ultra-narrow absorption bandwidth, polarization insensitivity, and simplicity. The MMA is designed with a compact structure, good sensitivity (s), exceptional figure of Merit (FOM), and superior Quality factor (Q) values.

Simulation and Optimization of a Hybrid Photovoltaic/Li-Ion Battery System

The coupling of solar cells and Li-ion batteries is an efficient method of energy storage, but solar power suffers from the disadvantages of randomness, intermittency and fluctuation, which cause the low conversion efficiency from solar energy into electric energy. In this paper, a circuit model for the coupling system with PV cells and a charge controller for a Li-ion battery is presented in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A new three-stage charging strategy is proposed to explore the changing performance of the Li-ion battery, comprising constant-current charging, maximum power point tracker (MPPT) charging and constant-voltage charging stages, among which the MPPT charging stage can achieve the fastest maximum power point (MPP) capture and, therefore, improve battery charging efficiency. Furthermore, the charge controller can improve the lifetime of the battery through the constant-current and constant-voltage charging scheme. The simulation results indicate that the three-stage charging strategy can achieve an improvement in the maximum power tracking efficiency of 99.9%, and the average charge controller efficiency can reach 96.25%, which is higher than that of commercial chargers. This work efficiently matches PV cells and Li-ion batteries to enhance solar energy storages, and provides a new optimization idea for hybrid PV/Li-ion systems.

A Triple-Tunable Dual-Band Metamaterial Absorber Based on Dirac Semimetal and InSb

The dynamically triple-tunable dual-band metamaterial absorber that can be electrically, thermally, and magnetically controlled is proposed in this paper. The absorber is composed of bulk Dirac Semimetal (BDS), SiO2, and InSb layers. The physical absorption mechanism can be analyzed theoretically by the equivalent circuit model (ECM) and electric field intensity distributions at absorption peaks. In the absence of applied magnetic field, based on the bright–bright coupling effect, the average absorption rate of dual-band absorber can reach 99.4% when the Fermi energy of the BDS is 0.13 eV and the temperature of the InSb is 475 K. When the applied magnetic field is along the X axis, the absorption frequencies and rates of dual-band absorber can be electrically tuned by adjusting the BDS Fermi energy and thermally and magnetically controlled by adjusting the InSb temperature and magnetic field. Furthermore, the impacts of parameters in dual-band absorbers and the application prospects of the dual-band absorber model as a refractive index sensor are further discussed. This work provides a theoretical basis for the designs of triple-tunable absorbers and sensors.

An Enhanced State-Space Modeling for Detecting Abnormal Aging in VRLA Batteries

The knowledge of battery aging is an indicator that allows controlling the performance of large battery banks. State of Health (SOH) is typically the metric used, encompassing all possible mechanisms in a percentage indicator, with the Coulomb Counting as the most common method. Hence, an in-depth study of aging based on known models provides proper information for correctly managing batteries. This article proposes an aging-sensitive 3-RC-array-equivalent electrical circuit model to characterize the behavior of batteries throughout their useful life, identifying parametric changes as complementary information to the state of health. This model was validated based on experimental tests with 2 V and 6 Ah VRLA batteries aged according to the manufacturer’s recommended use. The results reveal a proportionality through capacity degradation. Then, a control group of batteries was subjected to overcharge and over-discharge conditions. The information given by Coulomb Counting SOH and the proposed method were evaluated. The proposed method provides additional information to the SOH, enhancing the distinguishing capability between typical aging performance and misused aging performance, resulting in a useful tool capable of identifying the aging associated with parametric changes in a time-invariant system where aging is treated as an imminent multiplicative fault.

Chemi-Impeditive Sensing Platform Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

Chemical sensing methodology based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) targeting analytes in aqueous samples on functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) is reported. The SWCNT in contact with electrolyte shows unique impedance spectra that cannot be analyzed with classical equivalent circuit models. Inspired by the charge transport property of mixed ionic-electronic conductors, we propose an equivalent circuit based on transmission line model (TLM), by which the impedance of the CNT-electrolyte system can be analyzed to track down all the equivalent circuit parameters. By combining multiple pieces of information, which are technically immeasurable with conventional chemiresistive or chemicapacitive techniques, several analyte species responding to the sensor can be differentiated from each other. We demonstrate the "chemi-impeditive" concept on chemically modified SWCNTs for detecting perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous solutions. The EIS coupled with a fluorination chemistry on SWCNT surface provides unique changes in equivalent circuit components for each PFAS, i.e., changes in CNT and solution resistances, as well as interfacial CNT-solution capacitance, through which perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid are detected in a discriminative manner. The new impedimetric method opens up new vistas in chemical sensing in that the EIS analysis provides an additional dimension of information beyond the single resistance or capacitance typically measured by many conventional types of sensors.

Interpretation of the degradation and trends in the performance of heterojunction silicon solar cells at low temperature

A compact model that combines numerical simulations using AFORS-HET and accurate equivalent circuit modelling is proposed and used to interpret the origins of the degradation and anomality's in the performance of the a-Si:H/c-Si heterojunction solar cells and its parameters at low temperature. The interpretations are applied to several trends reported on real cells. It is shown that as T decreases the a-Si:H(i) layer is depleted gradually from holes and that the cell operation fails once the layer is totally depleted and becoming intrinsic. The failure is caused by a substantial and sharp increase in the cell series resistance causing the collapse of the fill factor and of the cell current. It is found that at low temperature the open circuit voltage is significantly affected and its temperature dependence strongly distorted by hole depletion in the a-Si:H(i) spacer especially when the TCO work function is not appropriate. It is aslo shown that the S-shape in the cell I-V characteristics under illumination is closely linked to the TCO barrier reverse saturation current which explains its higher probability of appearnce at low temperature. Finally, it is concluded that the HJT cell would perform optimally down to the low 200 K range when the a-Si:H(p) is heavily doped and the front contact is ideally ohmic. Failing to satisfy such conditions the temperature range in which the HJT cell is useful is very limited.

Steady-State Temperature Prediction for Cluster-Laid Tunnel Cables Based on Self-Modeling in Natural Convection

Accurate temperature prediction of the operating tunnel cable is crucial for its safe and efficient function. To achieve a rapid and accurate prediction of the steady-state temperature of the tunnel cable, the self-modeling pattern in natural convection on the cable surface in the rectangular tunnel is investigated, and the self-modeling method for the convective heat transfer coefficient calculation is proposed. A thermal circuit model for single cables is further established to predict the cable core temperature, and the model is extended to predict the cluster-laid cable core temperature based on the combined method. The results show that when the tunnel size is neglected, the maximum relative deviation of the convective heat transfer coefficient between the self-modeling method and the finite element simulation is only 1.78% in the studied cases, indicating that the natural convection on the cable surface approximately satisfies the self-modeling method. Additionally, applying the self-modeling method to the thermal circuit can accurately predict the temperature of the single cable core. Furthermore, for the three-phase four-circuit cable, the maximum deviation between the temperature prediction results and the finite element results is within 2 K in the studied cases, which verifies the predictive accuracy of the combined method for the cluster-laid tunnel cable.

A new optimization strategy, the influence of hollow electrode chamfers on the development of helium atmospheric pressure plasma jets

This work suggests applying chamfering treatment to the plasma generator of the empty electrode structure. Enhancing the electrodes’ physical structure can significantly improve plasma characteristics without requiring intricate control systems. Experiments have shown that changes in the electrode’s shape can lead to changes in the formation of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet. Specifically, our observations indicate that an increase in the chamfer radius leads to an increase in the ignition voltage and a greater density of reactive species inside the jet. We developed a multi-channel equivalent circuit model to describe the discharge process of a plasma jet. Then, using the mixed layer theory, we investigated the effect of the chamfer radius on the plasma jet. Our findings suggest that chamfering increases the effective discharge area, resulting in more discharge channels in the model. This leads to a higher density of reactive species. Additionally, chamfering improves the mixing of helium and air, increasing the concentration of N2 and O2. This consumes some of the avalanche electrons and raises the ignition voltages, ultimately enhancing the chemical reactivity of the plasma jet. This work provides new ideas for the optimization strategy of atmospheric pressure plasma radiation devices.

Unravelling the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Cells for Photovoltaics

Abstract This research reveals the application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in analyzing and improving the performance of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) based photovoltaic cells. As a non-destructive technique, EIS provides deep insight into the electrochemical characteristics of photovoltaic cells, including series resistance, layer capacitance, recombination mechanisms, and charge transport. The impedance data is obtained and analyzed using small AC potential signals at various frequencies via Nyquist diagrams and Bode plots. This analysis allows the identification of resistive and capacitive elements as well as the evaluation of the quality of the interface between the active layer and the electrode. The results show that EIS can identify internal barriers that reduce the efficiency of a-Si: H solar cells, such as dominant recombination mechanisms and inefficient charge transport. Using equivalent circuit models, electrochemical parameters are extracted to reveal cell behavior and performance. In addition, these results also confirm that EIS is an important tool in design optimization and performance improvement of a-Si: H photovoltaic cells, providing a solid scientific basis for the development of more efficient and sustainable solar cell technology. These findings contribute to efforts to increase solar energy efficiency, supporting broader and more effective use of photovoltaic technology in meeting global sustainable energy needs.

Method for Locating Secondary Circuit Faults in Substations Based on Graph Neural Networks

To improve the accuracy and portability of fault location in secondary circuits of smart substations, a fault location method for secondary circuits based on graph neural networks is proposed. First, a fault analysis of the secondary circuits in smart substations is conducted, and a graph database model of the secondary circuits is constructed, revealing the connection relationships between the secondary devices. Then, the fault location problem in secondary circuits is defined as a graph classification problem, and a fault graph generation model is proposed based on a representation method for fault information in secondary circuits. Finally, a fault location model for secondary circuits based on graph neural networks is constructed, and a performance optimization method based on binary cross-entropy is proposed to achieve accurate fault location in substation secondary circuits. Using the secondary circuits of a 220 kV smart substation as a reference, different case studies of secondary circuit faults are generated by altering the network topology, connection relationships, and network configurations through the fault graph generation model. Experiments comparing the proposed location method with other models show that this method has higher location accuracy and robustness.

Development of a flat cutoff probe covered with a dielectric layer for non-invasive plasma diagnostics

Abstract Herein, we investigated the effect of a dielectric film on the transmission spectrum of a bar-type flat cutoff probe (BCP). By conducting electromagnetic wave simulations, we found that placing a dielectric film with a thickness of 1 mm or less on the sensor did not affect the measurement of the BCP under thin sheath condition. However, a film thickness of 1 mm or more results in a low-frequency shift in the cutoff frequency. The shift in the cutoff frequency was related not only to the film thickness, but also to the dielectric constant of the film and sheath width, which could be understood through a circuit model of the BCP. The calculated results were experimentally validated using alumina plates of various thicknesses. Consequently, our findings demonstrate that measuring the electron density on a BCP is feasible even when a dielectric film is deposited, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement.

Design and initial test results of a space-bound flux pump to energize the Hēki mission’s superconducting magnet

Despite repeated proposals to utilize superconducting magnets in space since at least the 1970s, examples of their use remain scant. One of the technical challenges is to maintain suitable cryogenic temperatures on a spacecraft. This challenge can be alleviated by the use of flux pumps to reduce the required cryogenic cooling power needed to energize the superconducting magnet. This paper describes the design and initial test results of the flux pump to fulfill the requirements of the Hēki mission that will operate a high-temperature superconducting magnet on an external platform of the International Space Station. A transformer-based, self-rectifier architecture was chosen for the flux pump. An effective circuit model used to design its electromagnetic properties and finite-element modelling used in its mechanical and thermal design. Liquid nitrogen tests were used to demonstrate that the electrical performance of the flux pump meets requirements. Higher-fidelity tests using flight-like copies of the hardware and software were undertaken and validated the thermal modelling. These tests also featured the continuous operation of the flux pump in a conduction-cooled setting for over 100 hours, reflecting an inherent reliability of this technology. Whilst further testing and flight qualification remains to be completed, we anticipate an on-orbit demonstration of this flux pump technology in February 2025. Such a demonstration will signal a maturing of this emerging superconducting technology for both in-space and terrestrial applications.

Dual-resonance microwave probe for magnetic field mapping

This paper introduces a dual-resonance probe for mapping magnetic fields in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) applications. The probe, consisting of a circular loop loaded with a 6-turn circular spiral, exhibits two resonant modes via capacitive coupling, resonating at 1.158 GHz and 1.582 GHz to cover L1 and parts of the L5 band. Designed for GPS applications, the presented equivalent circuit model of the probe simplifies its design. The probe maps the orthogonal magnetic field component at its resonant frequencies. Measurements, taken while scanning over a short-circuited microstrip line and a rat-race hybrid coupler, closely match their simulated orthogonal magnetic field component. The proposed probe offers advancements in sensitivity enhancing EMC in various electronic systems.

Electrical Doping Regulation of Carrier Recombination Enhances the Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency beyond 28.

With the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exceeding 26.7%, achieving further enhancements in device performance has become a key research focus. Here, we investigate the impact of electrical doping in the perovskite layer using the drift-diffusion equation-based device physics model, coupled with a self-developed equivalent circuit model. Our results demonstrate that electrical doping can increase the PCE from 24.78% to >28%. In-depth theoretical analysis reveals that these improvements in performance are driven by the modulation of carrier recombination processes through doping, leading to significant increases in the open-circuit voltage and fill factor. Additionally, we explore the influence of physical parameters on device performance. Our study identifies an optimal doping concentration range from 1.0 × 1017 to 1.0 × 1019 cm-3 and a transport layer mobility of >0.01 cm2 V-1 s-1. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the development of ultra-high-performance PSCs through targeted electrical doping strategies.

Applicability assessment of equivalent circuit-thermal coupling models on LiFePO4 batteries operated under wide-temperature and high-rate pulse discharge conditions

In military scenario, high-power lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are frequently used under wide-temperature and high-rate pulse discharge conditions. An accurate electro-thermal coupling model (ETCM) is crucial for the safe operations. Equivalent circuit-thermal coupling model (ECTCM), which combines equivalent circuit model (ECM) and lumped thermal model, is the most widely used type of ETCM in applications. However, the applicability of ECTCM under wide-temperature and high-rate pulse discharge conditions is not clear. To assess the applicability of ECTCM under these special conditions, this study establishes six typical ECTCMs and accurately identify their corresponding model parameters. Then, these models are tested under high-rate pulse discharge conditions from -40oC to 50oC. The results indicate that ECTCMs are effective for pulse discharge at ambient and high temperatures, but not suitable for low-temperature conditions below 0oC. When the temperature is below 0oC, the pulse discharge voltage of the batteries can not be accurately simulated by ECTCMs. This work provides guidance for electro-thermal coupling modeling under high-rate pulse discharge conditions, and also points out the direction for the development of high-precision ETCM capable of handling wide-temperature and high-rate pulse discharge in the future.

Negative Resistor-Based Equivalent Circuit Model of Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System for Grid Inertia Support

Negative Resistor-Based Equivalent Circuit Model of Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage System for Grid Inertia Support